BACK TO THE BOX OFFICE: REVELATION, ASHFORD
Set in the stunning St Mary’s Church, Revelation, has been inspiring the arts in Ashford for 15 years
Nestled just off Ashford High Street is the town’s best kept secret, a unique award-winning pop-up arts venue aptly named Revelation – atmospheric, intimate, quirky and housed in the stunning 17th century St Mary’s Church.
Since 2011, the venue has welcomed international musicians, legendary performers and incredible experiences for the community. From Craig Charles to Steeleye Span, Paul Young to Space, Courtney Pine to Huey Morgan and everything in between.
A location for the celebration of music, it has hosted Discos For Grown-ups and Big Fun Day Raves
Rev, as it's fondly known, are also champions of programming emerging local artists alongside well-known acts wherever they can.
In 2021 Rev launched ‘Create’, a month-long music jamboree, showcasing the very best in Grass Roots Music across 15 town centre venues and spaces and has just been awarded £30k by Arts Council England to develop Offshoots, a recording studio and mentoring project for local talent.
“Ashford’s only dedicated arts space and is the creative heart of the community”
In the past two years, more than 130 Grass Roots Music Venues have closed nationally but Rev continues to buck the trend not only surviving but thriving, thanks to a committed core team plus a vision to see beyond its home venue into the wider town.
This 350-capacity venue with bar and excellent sound and lighting facilities, has worked hard to develop its reputation for ‘Up Close and Personal’ experiences for both artists and audiences alike, with a warm welcome by the fantastic volunteer team.
In its first 15 years Rev has put on more than 350 events, supporting more than 3,000 local and national artists and reached audiences of more than 85,000 people.
‘We’re a small organisation with big dreams; we make things happen and champion emerging talent,” says CEO, Debra McGee. “Ashford’s only dedicated arts space and is the creative heart of the community. We’ve learned that to survive and grow we must keep things lean, work with local partners to keep Grass Roots Music alive for Ashford’.”
Setting up shop in a stunning church with more than 1,000 years of history, just a stone’s throw from the high street, Revelation has become a beacon for the arts and what can be achieved in unique spaces - indeed it won the 2017 award for Best Cultural Venue at the Kent Creative Awards.
INSTA: @revelationashford
Huey Morgan plays at Revelation Ashford
